USMNT star Christian Pulisic accused of ‘lacking in big matches’ as 13-goal forward struggles to avoid Samuel Chukwueze argument at AC Milan

The United States international has enjoyed a productive debut campaign at San Siro, on the back of his 2023 transfer from Chelsea. Pulisic has posted a personal-best return of 13 goals this season, earning him the trust of head coach Stefano Pioli.

There have, however, been calls for Nigerian star Chukwueze to see more minutes – potentially at Pulisic’s expense as they occupy a similar attacking berth. Pulisic has been warned that his place may come under threat at some stage if he fails to deliver when it matters most.

Italian pundit Luca Serafini has told Milan TV of competition on the flanks: “Chukwueze is in splendid condition at the moment, he is always decisive. It's true that Pulisic has been lacking a bit in the big matches. From the point of view of his participation, and [Ruben] Loftus-Cheek, I would expect more in some moments. Pioli relies on his faithful at the moment. Chukwueze is a player of the future, when we said that certain players must be waited on it is true. He is proving to be worth the search last year and the money that Milan spent.”

Chukwueze is only eight months younger than Pulisic and has registered just three goals for Milan through 31 appearances this season. Many of those outings have, however, come from off the bench and questions will continue to be asked of Pulisic as he waits to discover whether a managerial change will be made by the Rossoneri this summer.